It is possible to state a fraction such as ¾ in words as follows: three fourths.
Can someone please let me know how to say ¹⁄ₓ in words?
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2The reciprocal of x. One part in x.– KrisCommented May 9, 2018 at 9:34
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To add on @kris's answer: one over x, or one divided by x.– JJJCommented May 9, 2018 at 9:47
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Thank you all. So I cannot say one x-th. Right?– MTMDCommented May 9, 2018 at 9:48
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2One over x is one of the most frequently used, especially in Calculus class. Edit: No you can't say one x-th. I have never heard anyone say this.– StallmpCommented May 9, 2018 at 9:48
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1"An nth" is already well in use. So, it depends on the context: "In fact, the black holes took so much with an xth of a millisecond that they instantly reverted and became white holes." "... gas at position x. Leaving an xth of a tank so it can get back ...".– KrisCommented May 9, 2018 at 10:01
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1 Answer
There are a number of options, and none are particularly preferred because the need to phrase this specific quantity in everyday English is not common.
So, in no particular order:
- One out of
x - One over
x - One
x-th
Choose whichever suits your needs or will work best for your audience.
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3Mathematician here! "One over x" is far and away the most common of those choices. Commented May 9, 2018 at 14:39
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As a mathematician, would anyone in real life say “the reciprocal of x” for
1/x? I didn’t put it in because the notation makes this feels like an elementary or arithmetic context, as opposed to a more advanced or algebraic context, where I’d expect words like “reciprocal” to be paired with notations likex^-1. Not sure if I should add it as a suggestion to the answer or not.– JaneCommented May 9, 2018 at 14:45 -
It does depend on context. For example, if I were explaining how to solve the equation xy = 5 for the variable y (in terms of the other variable x), I might say, "Multiply both sides by the reciprocal of x." Commented May 9, 2018 at 14:53